Articles tagged with Photosynthesis
Researchers used room-temperature crystallography to study photosynthetic bacteria's proteins, discovering they are 'remarkably robust' and more efficient than previously thought. The study sheds new insight into the mechanism of electron transfer early in photosynthesis.
A new device has been developed that converts sunlight into two promising sources of renewable fuels – ethylene and hydrogen. The researchers found that by optimizing the working conditions for cuprous oxide, a promising artificial photosynthesis material, they can create a more stable system.
A recent study found that urban vegetation has a stronger ability to withstand drought compared to rural areas. The researchers attribute this enhanced drought resistance to increased temperature and CO2 concentration, as well as reduced ozone levels in urban environments.
Scientists found a 12% increase in global photosynthesis from 1982 to 2020, capturing 14 petagrams of additional carbon removed from the atmosphere each year. While this helps slow climate change, it's not enough to stop it, according to Berkeley Lab researchers.
Researchers used mathematical models to reconstruct evolutionary history of photosymbiosis in Scleractinia, identifying groups where association is stable and others that may be more flexible. The study found that certain lineages are more likely to retain the reef-building trait in a changing climate.
A team of researchers at the University of Copenhagen has identified a group of proteins, called CURT1, that control the development of green leaves in plants. This discovery sheds new light on photosynthesis, which is essential for life on Earth and could lead to more efficient CO2 absorption.
A team of MIT researchers has created a biohybrid photocatalyst that can mimic photosynthesis, improving the yield of chemical reactions for generating pharmaceuticals. The new catalyst uses a light-harvesting protein to capture energy from red light and transfer it to a metal-containing catalyst.
Researchers compared wild rice species to domesticated rice to understand differences in photosynthetic capabilities. They found that wild rice has faster photosynthetic induction but domesticated rice quickly closes its stomata, reducing water loss.
A recent study found that C4 bioenergy grass species outperform C3 species in assimilating carbon during fluctuating light conditions. This discovery could lead to increased productivity and reduced dependence on fossil fuels through targeted plant breeding programs.
A research team led by Professor Luca Razzari at INRS has successfully generated coherent, intense visible light pulses with femtosecond duration using a simplified setup. This innovation opens up new possibilities for studying various phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology.
German scientists developed a method to supply oxygen to tadpole brains using photosynthesizing algae injected into their bloodstream. This approach effectively revived neurons in oxygen-deprived tadpoles, showing promise for new therapies for conditions such as stroke and high-altitude environments.
Researchers found that regular plants have distinct metabolic differences from CAM photosynthesis-adapted species, which could hinder efforts to bioengineer drought tolerance in crops. Understanding these differences is crucial for future research and potential crop improvement.
A new study by MIT scientists uses a novel gene-analyzing technique to estimate that oxygenic photosynthesis first originated around 2.9 billion years ago. This evolutionary innovation allowed for the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere and oceans, paving the way for life on Earth.
Research reveals that stronger lettuce stems are a key part of disease resistance against Sclerotinia spp., the causative agent of lettuce drop. The study found that wild lettuce species exhibit increased stem strength and reduced symptom development, while modern commercial cultivars are susceptible to rapid basal stem rot.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a synthetic diiron-containing porphyrin that can efficiently catalyze the conversion of radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy. This breakthrough has potential applications in creating non-fossil-based fuels and electrochemical cells for renewable energy storage.
Trees continue to form reserves even during long periods of starvation, contrary to the assumption that they only form when photosynthetic conditions are favorable. As CO2 starvation progresses, trees stabilize their reserve levels and divert resources to storage, allowing them to survive climate extremes.
Korean researchers have developed a nanometer-sized branch-shaped tungsten-silver catalyst that can acquire carbon monoxide in high yields from the electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion system. The catalyst exhibited a high sunlight-to-compound conversion efficiency of 12.1% when combined with commercialized silicon solar cells.
Researchers developed a dynamic photosynthesis model that simulated a 10-20% yield increase by improving crop leaves' ability to adjust to fluctuating light. The model identified two proteins essential for the adjustment, which could lead to significant productivity gains.
Chlorophyll fluorescence tracks photosynthesis rate, providing an 'optical window' for monitoring plant health. Recent advances enable estimation and imaging of SIF at ecosystem scales, paving the way for applications in precision agriculture and ecology.
Researchers at Cornell University have made a significant breakthrough in improving crop yields by enhancing photosynthesis. By removing the enzyme carbonic anhydrase from chloroplasts, scientists have found that plants can still undergo photosynthesis without compromising their growth, paving the way for more efficient food production.
Researchers elucidated the mechanism by which a membrane remodeling protein, VIPP1, protects thylakoid membrane integrity. The study reveals that VIPP1 creates a basketlike structure with hydrophobic surfaces that bind to the membrane and remodel it.
Floods affect plant photosynthesis nearly as often as droughts, with extreme wet events impacting soil carbon storage. The study emphasizes the need to rethink flood impacts on vegetation dynamics and soil carbon storage in a warming world.
Researchers discover that proteins PGRL1 and PGRL2 regulate PGR5's function in photosynthesis. PGRL2 is a supervisor protein that works with PGRL1 to activate PGR5, while its absence causes PGR5 to become hyperactive and destructive.
A Rutgers-led study explores the evolution of photosynthesis, a process critical for plant growth. The research reveals that primary plastid endosymbiosis, a key step in photosynthesis, is rare due to its complex process.
A new computer model has been created to understand plant energy storage, with lab experiments confirming its accuracy. The findings could improve crop resilience in challenging environments and help develop new plants for climate change.
Researchers have developed PSII-based biomimetic assemblies to improve photosynthetic activity, leveraging synthetic luminescent materials to boost ATP synthesis. The system combines PSII with artificial structures to optimize light absorption and overcome stability limitations.
A new analysis of exoplanets reveals that Earth-like conditions for oxygen-based photosynthesis are much rarer than thought. Only a handful of potentially habitable planets have the necessary energy for complex biospheres to develop, with Kepler-442b being one exception.
Researchers at Purdue University are working on mimicking the process of photosynthesis to harness sunlight directly into usable energy. The goal is to create a clean and efficient fuel source that could replace traditional forms of renewable energy like wind power and solar panels.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool developed a method to control thylakoid membrane formation and used proteomics and microscopic imaging to characterise its stepwise maturation process. The study finds that cyanobacterial thylakoids are dynamic biological systems that can adapt rapidly to environmental changes.
Researchers have developed a novel nano-photosynthetic system using blue-green algae and nanoparticles to treat stroke patients. The approach reduces neuronal damage and improves motor function in mice with blocked cerebral arteries, showing promise for human clinical trials.
Ion transporters in chloroplasts play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, influencing the efficiency of photosynthesis. This discovery has significant implications for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency under unfavorable environmental conditions.
Researchers have discovered a new species of cyanobacteria, Anthocerotibacter panamensis, which can help study the dawn of oxygenic photosynthesis. The species lacks thylakoids and has unique carotenoid biosynthesis pathways, providing insights into the evolution of photosynthesis.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered a self-improving property in Si/GaN that enables it to become more efficient and stable as an artificial photosynthesis device. The material, made of silicon and gallium nitride, can harness sunlight into carbon-free hydrogen with twice the efficiency and stability of previous technologies.
Researchers have developed a new extraction method to isolate monomeric photosystem I (PSI), revealing its atomic structure and providing insights into the energy transfer process. The discovery may enable uphill energy transfer and improve our understanding of photosynthesis.
Scientists are opening up photosynthesis to nanoscale investigation using a novel approach that combines hybrid membranes with advanced microscopy techniques. This research aims to reveal the behavior of individual protein molecules and gain a deeper understanding of how proteins interact to convert sunlight into chemical energy.
Researchers have identified suberin as a crucial molecule in gas-tight compartments of C4 plants, enabling efficient CO2 fixation. The discovery has significant implications for breeding more resilient and productive crops, such as sugarcane, sorghum, and maize.
Researchers found mistletoes can increase photosynthesis to share resources with their hosts, reducing harm to the tree. This strategy allows them to coexist and even benefit birds and pollinators.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a model to accurately calculate GPP in bioenergy crops using satellite data. The SLOPE GPP product explains 85% of spatial and temporal variations in GPP, overcoming previous inefficiencies in image-based, time-based, and latency precision.
A team of researchers measured the importance of CO2 obstacles in plant cells to improve crop productivity. The study highlights promising targets, including cell wall thickness, and found that variables like chloroplast area are less relevant.
A global study found that carbon dioxide levels have increased tree photosynthesis efficiency by 40% between 1901 and 2015. The increase is primarily driven by the rise in atmospheric CO2, with additional analysis suggesting enhanced photosynthesis as a key factor.
Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis are developing crop plants with improved photosynthesis, aiming to increase Australian cereal crop production and address climate change. The center has identified promising germplasm lines and published over 300 scientific papers on the topic.
The study suggests that up to half of land ecosystems could reach a tipping point where they release more carbon than they absorb by 2100 under a business-as-usual emissions scenario. Biomes with high carbon storage, such as rainforests and Taiga forests, may lose over 45% of their carbon sink capabilities by midcentury.
A new study finds that Earth's temperature tipping point for carbon uptake is already being exceeded in nature, with potential catastrophic consequences. If emissions continue unchecked, up to half the terrestrial biosphere may experience temperatures beyond this productivity threshold by mid-century.
Researchers found significant variation in flag leaf ability to adjust to fluctuating light, with some varieties producing carbohydrates nearly twice as fast as others. This discovery could lead to improved water-use efficiency and more resilient crops.
Researchers have developed a method to quickly screen crops by analyzing the light signal emitted during photosynthesis, known as Solar Induced Fluorescence (SIF). This signal provides critical insights into photosynthesis, which could lead to improving crop yields and feeding humanity.
Researchers at ETH Zurich identified a self-regulating mechanism that limits the productive period of trees, leading to earlier leaf fall. Global warming previously expected to delay senescence, but photosynthesis in spring and summer actually accelerates it.
A team of scientists has built tiny droplet-based microbial factories that produce hydrogen instead of oxygen when exposed to daylight in air. This discovery could provide an important step forward towards photobiological green energy development under natural aerobic conditions.
Research finds that nanosilver disturbs the metabolism of algae, making their membranes more permeable and reducing photosynthesis. This can have significant impacts on the aquatic food chain and oxygen production. The study uses metabolomics to detect early changes induced by nanoparticles.
New observational study shows that certain Amazon rainforest regions increase photosynthesis in response to limited water stress, contradicting Earth system models. This discovery suggests the current models overestimate carbon losses in the Amazon rainforest due to climate change.
Researchers at Kobe University developed a high-speed detection method to observe oxygen generated by artificial photosynthesis, revealing the mechanism behind water-to-oxygen reaction. The new method is 1000 times faster than conventional methods and could contribute to developing efficient photocatalysts for clean energy.
Researchers have successfully installed part of the C4 photosynthetic pathway in rice, paving the way for more efficient and water-use-friendly crop varieties. The breakthrough could increase photosynthesis efficiency by 50% and improve nitrogen use efficiency.
GAIN4CROPS project uses nature-inspired approaches to enhance photosynthetic efficiency in sunflowers, promoting climate-resilient crops and sustainable agriculture. The research could lead to decreased land, nitrogen, and water usage, aligning with efforts to conserve biodiversity and reduce environmental impact.
Research reveals that crops adapted to pre-industrial environments, like corn and sorghum, cannot efficiently utilize elevated CO2 levels. Experts propose engineering these plants to optimize resource allocation, potentially boosting productivity in a future with rising CO2 concentrations.
A 30-year review of climate experiments found that C3 crops' yields may increase by 18% with adequate nutrients and water, but quality losses and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases are also expected. Genetic solutions and bioengineering can help mitigate negative effects, but developing new crop cultivars is time-consuming.
Researchers developed a model that shows CAM-like metabolism can save more than 50% of water while maintaining 80% productivity in temperate climates. The study also identified an alternative CAM cycle involving mitochondrial enzyme ICDH, which can add up to 11% of total water savings.
CAM photosynthesis, used by arid plants, is introduced into C3 plants to reduce water loss. The study reveals alternative metabolic modes can provide environment-specific benefits under certain conditions, helping prepare for growing food crops in increasingly hot and dry temperate environments.
The study elucidated how Rubisco activase works, revealing that it grabs the N-terminal tail of Rubisco and releases inhibitory sugar molecules using ATP energy. This dual function enables Rca to recruit into carboxysomes, where CO2 is generated, making photosynthesis more efficient.
Researchers compared the DNA of four C3 grass crops and four C4 grass crops to identify regions that control the expression of four enzymes involved in photosynthesis. They found 'activators' that trigger expression in bundle sheath cells and 'repressors' that restrict expression in mesophyll cells.
A new study published in Nature Plants suggests that tropical forests like the one at Biosphere 2 may be more resilient to predicted temperature increases than previously thought. The rainforest's ability to photosynthesize steadily even at high temperatures, up to 38C, challenges current climate change predictions for the Amazon.
Researchers have engineered a red-algae-like Rubisco enzyme into crops, doubling CO2-fixation rates. The breakthrough aims to increase crop production and improve photosynthesis efficiency.